Blackfoot hub building connections

By Alexandra Noad - Lethbridge Herald Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on November 9, 2024.

Herald photo by Alexandra Noad Elders Patrick Black Plume and Rose Fox provided face painting and blessings at the Blackfoot Resource Hub on Friday afternoon.

A local non-profit organization is working to build connections and educate both Indigenous and non-Indigenous on the Blackfoot ways of knowing.

The Blackfoot Resource Hub was introduced in November of 2022 to provide cultural programing as well as other resources to the Indigenous people of Lethbridge.

The Blackfoot Resource Hub has two cultural specialists, Joey Blood (Tatsikiistamik) and Karen Delaney (Ma’kaki.)

Delaney describes her work as being an auntie to those who may not have a connection to their culture.

“We share things that you would have learned from your parents or your grandparents growing up,” said Delaney.

In their programing they learn from Elders on Blackfoot protocols such as harvesting sweetgrass and other medicinal plants, how to smudge and the history of the land.

In the first week of each month, they hold face painting ceremonies.

In Blackfoot culture, Elders give facepainting to give blessings to their people.

“It’s a way to cleanse. It’s to give you a blessing and it’s like a protection,” said Delaney.

Delaney added it’s a wonderful opportunity to receive these blessings from their Elders.

The Blackfoot Resource Hub also partners with other organizations withing the community to help bring awareness around Blackfoot culture.

One of these being Blackfoot language classes being held at the Sik-Ooh-Kotoki Friendship Society every Monday in partnership with the Friendship Society and Opokaa’sin Early Intervention Society.

These classes are held every Monday at 5:30 and are taught by Julius Delaney. The classes are also accessible via Zoom.

Karen Delaney says she is pleasantly surprised at the response with 45 people showing up to the classes.

While the programing has a focus on Blackfoot culture, both Delaney and Blood say everyone is welcome to take part.

Blood says this idea of including non-Indigenous people into their spaces is not a new concept for Blackfoot people.

“We have always been in our way, we’re a very inclusive society. We’re open to the whole demographic, ever since the newcomers have come. The idea was that we would invite them to participate in our ceremonies in hopes the teachings we were raise with and they would gain a little bit of perspective on why it’s so important in our way of life,” said Blood.

Blood hopes the work the Resource Hub does will continue to build bridges with the Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in Lethbridge and the open dialog will help resolve some of the challenges the Indigenous people are currently facing.

“There’s a lot of things happening in the community right now and not understanding that history = of why some of these issues are existing in the community and it’s not something as quick as just getting over it,” said Blood.

Blood added there has been some improvements, but healing is something that takes time.

The Blackfoot Resource Hub does more than just educate people on Blackfoot ways of knowing.

They are active in the community helping out people wherever they need, whether it be rides, funding, housing, they are always willing to lend a hand wherever they can.

Blood says they hope to be on the frontlines of building bridges and helping their people heal from their trauma.

“I think we are making in the community…we’re seeing more and more people are reaching out to us and participating in our programs,” said Blood.

For information on events the Blackfoot Resource Hub is hosting, visit their Facebook page.